Aston Villa manager John Gregory is to give evidence on behalf of David Ginola when he faces an FA disciplinary commission to answer a misconduct charge next Thursday.

The Frenchman was charged by Soho Square over his touch-line confrontation with fourth official Clive Wilkes after being sent off in Villa's Premiership clash with Leicester at Villa Park on December 1.

Ex-Newcastle United star Ginola tapped Wilkes on the side of the head before heading to the dressing rooms.

Gregory will lend his full support to the former Tottenham star at the FA hearing in Manchester on January 24.

The Villa boss said: "He has taken up my offer of help and I'll gladly go and give whatever help and evidence that I can.

"He is one of my players and the FA do have video evidence that will clearly defend the player.

"In the referee's report, it says David slapped the fourth official and you have a vision of him slapping a fellow across the face. But when you actually see the video, it is nothing to do with that at all."

Gregory will also be appearing in front of the same commission to answer his own misconduct charge.

The manager was sent from the dug-out by referee Andy D'Urso during the home game with Liverpool on Boxing Day.

Meanwhile, Chelsea chairman Ken Bates has insisted that club fines are the best internal punishment for players who step out of line off the pitch - as they then fall out of favour with their wives.

Bates voiced his opposition to the idea of players being suspended from playing by their clubs - a sanction suggested by the League Managers' Assocation and the Professional Footballers' Association in a joint initiative.

The PFA are ready to consider increasing the current maximum fine of two weeks' wages for breaking club rules in more serious cases.

Bates wrote in his programme notes for Wednesday night's FA Cup tie against Norwich: "When a player is suspended, he has even more time on his hands to perpetuate his weaknesses.

"By fining the miscreant, he suffers much more. Firstly, it means less money to spend on booze.

"More importantly, it means that his missus or partner has less to spend in the `flesh-pots' of Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Sloane Street.

"Every male Chelsea supporter knows what I mean. The dread of being confronted by an irate female is enough to keep you on the straight and narrow in the future."